Abstract: A separator or cage for ball bearings has a plurality of pockets. Each pocket has an internal pocket surface toward the ball. At each half of the pitch circle of the pocket around the ball there are two approximately cylindrical first surface sections which are spaced nearer to the ball, a respective spherically curved second pocket surface section which extends over the respective pole of the ball and which has a diameter smaller than the ball, and a respective third pocket surface section which extends over the equator of the ball at each circumferential end of the pocket and which has a larger diameter than the ball. The pocket surface provides good lubrication support for the ball to minimize rubbing of the ball against the separator pocket surface.

Abstract: A seal structure is disclosed in which self-aligning bearings have flanges fastened to respective ends of the inner and outer rings. The flanges overlap with an annular gap between them. A sealing ring having two sealing lips is fixed to one of the flanges. The other flange has an axially extending portion which is concentric with the axis of the bearing and has a spherical outer surface. In one embodiment, one sealing lip extends across the gap and presses against the spherically curved surface. This sealing lip remains sealed to the outer surface even when the bearing rings swing out of alignment with one another. The second sealing lip rests against an approximately radial portion of one of the flanges to improve the sealing action. A second embodiment contains an additional third sealing lip, which is obliquely inclined toward the spherically curved portion of the flange.

Abstract: A bearing has an outer ring that has an axially outward edge. The inner ring of the bearing has a flange that extends radially outward past the outer edge of the outer ring and defines a slot between them. The external surface of the outer ring is inclined radially inwardly moving axially inwardly from the outer edge of the outer ring for defining a conical section terminating in a circumferential groove. Internally, the outer ring has a borehole in from the outer edge which is also radially inwardly inclined moving axially inward from the outer edge. The outward surface incline directs water away from the slot. The inward surface incline directs water between the rings outward through the slot. The single inclined surface on the exterior of the outer ring may be replaced with a series of inclined surfaces giving the exterior a toothed appearance. A seal may be disposed internally between the outer and inner rings.